Amid the demands of daily life, it’s easy to miss the subtle signs of vision issues in children. However, ensuring their eye health is essential for their overall development. Children learn more about the world from vision than through all their other senses combined, and eye disorders such as myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and amblyopia (lazy eye), are amongst the most common long-term health problems experienced by children¹.

Signs of Vision Issues

There are several tell-tale signs that may indicate your child is experiencing vision difficulties:

• Struggling to read or holding books unusually close
• Squinting or trouble recognising distant objects
• Red, watery, or irritated eyes
• Frequent blinking, rubbing of the eyes, or complaints of headaches
• Experiencing blurred or double vision

Addressing these issues early can greatly improve a child’s learning experience, as well as their social and physical development.

Proactive Vision Care Tips

1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Regular eye exams with an optometrist can help detect any vision problems early on and ensure timely intervention if needed.
2. Limit Digital Screen Time: In a survey conducted by Optometry Australia, 51% of parents said their children are looking at screens more in 2022 than in previous years². This makes it crucial to plan regular breaks and adhere to screen time limits to reduce digital eye strain. 
3. Encourage Outdoor Play: Spending time outdoors exposes children to natural light, which is important for the development of healthy eyesight.
4. Be Sun Smart When Outdoors: Ensure your child wears a wide-brimmed hat outdoors or sunglasses that have 100% UV protection to help protect their eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
5. Encourage A Healthy And Balanced Diet: Nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, are important for eye health. Ensure that children consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish to support their vision development.

Eye Philosophy’s Commitment to Children’s Eye Health

At Eye Philosophy, we’ve worked on developing a children’s eye test to help our younger patients get the care they need. Our optometrists are trained to cater to each child’s unique needs, offering a range of solutions from UV-protected glasses to Orthokeratology lenses, a vision correction solution that helps to slow down myopia progression in children.

Children’s vision plays a vital role in their development and overall success. By staying proactive with regular eye care and healthy habits, you can help them maintain clear vision and thrive in every area of life. Small steps today can make a big difference in ensuring they see their world clearly and confidently.

Book a bulk-billed children’s eye exam today! 

¹ Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2008. Eye health among Australian children

² Optometry Australia, 2022 Vision Index